39 Signed…………………………….. Date …………… AUDLEY RURAL PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING held in Audley Pensioners Hall on 20 December 2012 at 7.00pm Present: Chairman: Mr H Proctor. Councillors: Mrs V Pearson, Mr P Breuer, Mr M Dolman, Mr N Blackwood, Mrs A Beech, Mrs K Davison, Mr T Sproston, Mr D Cornes, Mrs C D Cornes, Mr C Cooper, Mr P Morgan Clerk –Mrs C. Withington Ms Newman, Aspire – present until item 5a only No. Item Action 1. To receive apologies Apologies were received from Mr A Wemyss and Mrs B Kinnersley. 2. To consider approving and signing minutes of the Full Parish Council meeting on 13 th November 2012 The minutes on 13 th November 2012 were approved and signed as a true and accurate record.

3. Declaration of Disclosable Pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda (Note member should notify Monitoring officer within 28 days if not already) Mr Breuer declared an DPI interest in items 5 – 12/00659/FUL, 12/00203/FUL and item 7. Cllr Beech declared a DPI interest in item 5 – Aspire Pre application.

To consider granting a dispensation up until the next ordinary election to all parish councillors who live within the parish to enable them to participate in any discussion or vote on any matter concerning the setting of the council’s budget and annual precept Letters were provided to the Clerk and the council consider granting the dispensation on the grounds of achieving a quorum to pass a vote on the budget. It was RESOLVED that the Council allow the dispensation due to the number of persons disqualified will be so great a proportion and will impede the transaction of business. Noted that Cllr Beech and Mr Dolman reside outside of the area and are therefore not considered to be affected.

4. Public Participation: No members of public present. 5. Planning - To consider any planning applications received, including:-

Aspire Development at Albert Street, Miss Newman from Aspire Housing attended the meeting to present some draft plans to build 3 (2 bed 4 person) houses on Albert Street, formally a garage site. Noted that Aspire currently only have 3 properties in the street, and therefore would not be looking to invest in off road parking due to the financial viability. The site is being considered following a options appraisal of all sites across the borough to determine which would be suitable for development, investment or disposal on open market.

Concerns were raised surrounding the loss of open space, current parking issues and the impact on further parking problems as a result of increasing the number of properties in a terraced street. Noted that 5 allocated parking spaces would be provided for the tenants. Some felt that new affordable housing would be beneficial to local residents. Concern was also raised regarding the additional pressure on sewerage and drainage.

A resident’s concerns were received and read out in the meeting. Miss Newman is to consider the comments, concerns and other public consultation prior to progressing the application further.

40 Signed…………………………….. Date …………… To note the comments issued using Delegated Authority to the Clerk (in consultation with the Chair):

1. 12/00252/FUL - 2 Boyles Hall Road Bignall End – Retention of alterations to roof, installation of 2 front dormers, a rear dormer window and replacement conservatory Parish Council comments (via clerk) “In light of the minor change of access point to the rear of the property and conservatory, the amended application is still considered to be in line with the original support of the Parish Council – therefore it remains supported.” Issued 16 th November 2012 - Noted 2. Proposed rear extension and brick attached garage and demolition of existing concrete sectional garage. 20 Pear Tree Road Wood Lane Bignall End Stoke-on-Trent ST7 8NH Ref. No: 12/00641/FUL Parish Council Comments (via Clerk) - No concerns raised therefore supported. Issued 7 th December 2012 – Noted.

3. Alterations and extension to Number 61, and erection of a replacement dwelling(no. 63) formation of new access and carparking area 61 & 63 High Street Alsagers Bank Newcastle Under Lyme Stoke-On-Trent Staffordshire ST7 8BQ Ref. No: 12/00471/FUL Parish Council comments (via Clerk) – Concerns about the steep access for vehicles onto the Highway, on what is a notoriously a bad stretch of road due to the hill, in wintery conditions and in poor weather. The driveway access is also located opposite a bus stop – so there is concern about vehicles leaving the property overshooting onto the bus stop and pavement in bad conditions. Borough Councillors to call in the decision to request a site visit is undertaken. Issued 7 th December 2012

To provide comments at this meeting in relation to :

• Proposed replacement of existing dwelling with detached dwelling and detached double garage Alwyn Nantwich Road Audley Stoke On Trent Staffordshire ST7 8DW, Ref. No: 12/00210/FUL – Green Belt/Delegated

It was RESOLVED that the detached double garage is not supported as in accordance with the views on the earlier application for the residential property, due to the size of the building was of concern and felt to be overdevelopment in green belt. It was also felt that the new garage is not a straightforward like for like replacement of the existing garage which is a “lean to” construction on the current property, and the new one will be located further back on the site where there is currently a greenhouse.

• Audley Community Centre Nantwich Road Audley Stoke On Trent Staffordshire ST7 8DH Ref. No: 12/00203/FUL Adj to conservation area and monument/ Delegated

It was RESOLVED to support this application, as long as it is painted green. Mr Breuer noted he had an interest and did not take part in the vote.

• Proposed garage conversion to form ancillary accommodation and extension to form new store 19 Wynbank Close Bignall End Newcastle Under Lyme Staffordshire ST7 8LR Ref. No: 12/00688/FUL Village Env/Delegated/Adj to FP39

It was RESOLVED to support this application, as it was not excessive and was in keeping with the existing property.

• 12/00659/FUL , Mr Paul Breuer, Land At The Rear Of 205 And 207 High 41 Signed…………………………….. Date …………… Street , Erection of a detached bungalow in the garden area of 209 High Street Halmer End - Delegated/Village Env Mr Breuer left the room whilst this was considered and voted upon. The history of the site was discussed and noted that previous consent had now lapsed. A further application had been submitted for 2 4-bed properties which had been refused. This application was considered acceptable due to it being one property which will improve the look of the area, plus the off road parking included. It was RESOLVED that this be supported.

• 12/00772/FUL , Mr And Mrs Mainwaring, 59 Queen Street Audley Newcastle Under Lyme - Erection of single storey rear extension, Delegated/Village Env Noted that the extension was not excessive and it was RESOLVED that this be supported.

To note the outcome following clarification: 12/00660/COU |Change of use from dwelling house (Class C3 ) to residential institution (Class C2 ) | Woodlands Hall Bignall End Road Bignall End Stoke On Trent Staffordshire ST7 8LY – no further comments submitted. Noted that planning permission has now been granted.

6. To resolve to use the General Power of Competence in accordance with Parish Councils (General Power of Competence) (Prescribed Conditions) Order 2012 It was RESOLVED to use the General Power of Competence due to the following being met: • At least two-thirds of vacancies at the last ordinary elections have been filled by elected and not co-opted councillors, at that precise moment. • The Clerk is qualified i.e. CiCLA (2012) and has completed the relevant training.

7. To report back on the meeting regarding Audley Youth at Sir Thomas Boughey High School held on 21 st November and 19 th December 2012 (Mr Proctor) Mr Proctor reported that representatives of a cross section groups met at the school to ask them to carry out research into the out of school activities of the pupils. The Head Boy and Head Girl collated the findings and members of the School Council presented it back to the group, which was very well received and presented. A further meeting will be held following the opportunity to consider the findings. Mr Proctor will bring back the presentation to the next Parish Next Council meeting. Noted that there were other young adults to consider who Agend were older than school age. a

8. To discuss Halmer End Institute (Mr Proctor) Mr Proctor to provide the clerk with the evidence that the pitch rent suggested for the football club is substantially higher than was originally agreed. Clerk to pursue with the County Council as to where they are with the lease, to raise BP concerns regarding the football club and also the lack of progress with regards to CW the building improvements and surrounding area .

9. To discuss Police public surgeries (Mr Proctor) Noted that these are currently held on a monthly basis in the post office. Mr Proctor has received several complaints to say it is off putting to approach a Police Officer whilst in an always busy post office, even if there is somewhere private to discuss matters once requested.

Clerk is requested to write to the Local Police Team Divisional Commander 42 Signed…………………………….. Date …………… Chief Inspector Neil Hulme to request that police surgeries are held at the Pensioners Hall in Church Street, where there is a lot of footfall and parking is CW available. The offer is to be made that a Parish Councillor would be available to attend if required.

10. To receive discuss the cost and logistics of a Parish Plan (Mr Proctor) The Clerk circulated figures based on conservative estimates for Audley Parish. A budget between £6k - £10k would be required to see this document through, with the assistance of a Village Agent to co-ordinate this. Noted that the Clerk would not have any free time to devote to a Parish Plan, in addition to the day to day duties. CW Clerk to contact Community Council of Staffordshire for information of possible Next grant sources to identify a funding stream, before further consideration is given. agenda

11. To discuss the requirements and issues surrounding the Village Sign by the /Parish border (Mr Proctor)

Discussion took place regarding the loss of the “Audley Britain in Bloom” sign by Barthomley Road junction with Nantwich Road, to allow for the new sign by the Balterley border. It was felt that this sign would be better relocated by Church Bank as a memorial to the volunteers who helped achieve the award, in order to allow for the other sign to be located on the Parish boundary. Clerk to inform CW Mrs Sylvester on Nantwich Road of the decision. Clerk to liaise with Highways and the Chair regarding location of new “Audley” sign, noted that the wording had to be Audley only. Clerk to instruct relocation of sign at the appropriate point.

To consider resolving that the Chair signs the Highway Licence for the installation of the Queen’s Jubilee Beech Trees x 20 on Nantwich Road, following discussions with Severn Trent/United Utilities

It was RESOLVED that the Clerk and Chair be authorised to sign the Licence for the Section 96 to plant the trees at the agreed location. Noted that this is subject to Mr Holland agreeing the planting of the trees with Severn Trent/United Utilities due to the close proximately of the water mains in the pavement, as advised by Highways.

12. To discuss the requirements to fulfil the Quality Status application (Mr Proctor)

It was noted that there are several areas in the discretionary element of the communications section that the Parish Council falls short. As there is a lack of Parish Plan and Village Design Statement, we need to do extra to achieve the criteria.

It was RESOLVED to hold public surgeries on at least 6 different occasions, at BP 6.30pm prior to the start of every Council meeting. This will be in addition to the police surgeries.

It was also agreed that a leaflet promoting the activities of the Parish Council be complied to achieve the other element. CW

Chair and Vice Chair to provide statements to clerk regarding the Jubilee Celebration presentations with the Primary School and the promotion of the BP Council. Chair and/or Vice Chair to attend Sir Thomas Boughey to discuss the VP Parish Council with the School Council also.

43 Signed…………………………….. Date …………… 13. To approve Community Chest applications received (balance inc trees - £1650): 1. To further consider the application from Beat the Cold (£1000) for energy advice following clarification of the policy regarding staffing costs and additional supporting information received

Noted that the £1000 requested would fund an additional 8 visits to vulnerable homeowners (not Tenants) in Audley. Discussion took place regarding the fact that at the previous meeting it was felt not possible to consider the application due to funding of staffing costs, and the fact that this was not correct policy information. Applicants to be invited to attend and represent the application.

It was proposed and seconded that support be given by the Parish Council for the £1000 application request. A vote was taken and majority supported this, therefore this was RESOLVED to support the application for £1000.

Mr Cooper and Mr Sproston voted against this and raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of this decision based on the previous decision taken. Clerk to CW enquire with SPCA regarding whether or not the 6 month rescission procedure should have been applied in this case.

Chair and Clerk to raise the issue of funding staffing costs at the February BP CW review meeting.

Cllr Beech confirmed to the clerk that she would have abstained from voting, if asked.

2. Annual Community Chest Review - Wednesday 6th February 2013 at 2pm in Committee room 1 – agenda items to be sent to Sara Shuker Noted. Chair and Clerk to attend if possible.

14. Playing Fields/Wildlife Areas inc: To note interim Play Area Monthly Inspection for December and approval of any action required or taken This was noted. Lifebelt at Leddy’s Field has now been replaced. Mrs Pearson thanked the Parish Council for the new springer chicken at Road.

To note advice from Came and Co regarding weekly play inspections (best practice) Noted although in view of the cost, it was considered to continue with the current arrangements.

To consider the Ash Trees at Leddy’s Field – Mr Proctor It was RESOLVED that as the treatment of Ash trees (diseased) would change in March, that a contractor would be asked to look at them now to provide their BP opinion on the thinning. Clerk to liaise with Chair. CW

15. To consider the request to purchase of a grit bin to be located by Alsagers Bank Church at a approx. cost of £85.20 inc VAT – Mr Sproston

This was RESOLVED to be purchased and located at the site requested by Mr TS Sproston. Mr Sproston to liaise with the Church and let the Clerk know where to CW get the bin located and filled. Noted that Highways will require it to be near to the pavement as possible, to serve the footpaths only, not the road.

16. To receive an update from Audley LAP – Mr Proctor Mr Proctor reported back on a recent meeting held and stated that he will continue to attend the LAP as the representative for the Parish Council and will 44 Signed…………………………….. Date …………… report back on specific issues of interest in the future. Minutes were circulated BP to the Parish Council prior to the meeting.

17. Correspondence and circulars received for information only - Millennium Green Trust Agenda (and minutes) 5 th December 2012 - noted - To note SPCA fees for 13/14 – noted that this was unchanged. - To note the SCC Ice busters Initiative – noted. - To note the outcome of Election of a Police and Crime Commissioner (Staffs) – noted. - UK Coal regarding surface coal mining – noted, request to be made that CW they work closely with the Parish Council and site visit to take place. - Audley Cricket Club Community Chest application – noted that this was to be investigated by Internal Audit at the Borough Council. - To review other items as listed for information and consider for next agenda – noted. 18. Clerks Update This was noted. 19. Councillor Reports (for information only/further actions and decisions must be included on next agenda)

Mr Breuer requested that First are aske d to put timetables on their bus stops. CW D&G and Baker timetables to be included in the noticeboards if possible.

Cllr Cornes noted that she has been working on resolving the flooding issues in the Parish.

Mr Cooper noted that the Butchers Arm car park has had the height barrier CW knocked off. Clerk to request action from the Borough.

Highways to be requested to clean up road sign on Nantwich Road (by Peak CW Pursuits area).

Mr Proctor reported that there had been no reply from Mr Ball to the last letter requesting the keys. Lock to be purchased from Rileys and arrangements to be made to open and close the shelter. 20. Accounts - To approve the Accounts The accounts were approved for payment as scheduled below. 21. Budget 12/13 and 13/14 To note current position This was noted as circulated with the agenda.

To note the implications of the reduced Council Tax Base following the revised Council tax benefit payments and NALC guidance on precept setting Noted that although the precept request may stay the same, it may have an impact on the rate payable by the Council Tax Band D properties following the new benefit payments being taken off the top line. This will very much depend on how much grant is passed down from the Borough Council to the Parish Councils to reduce this impact.

To agree the proposed budget for 13/14 (deadline for NBC precept 11 th January) and consider any further alterations It was proposed to stay with the existing precept request of £46,460. A counter proposal to incr ease to rate of inflation was proposed but not seconded. Therefore the original proposal was voted upon and the majority voted in favour of no increase in Precept due to the reserves and the current budget position – CW RESOLVED to set the precept for 2013/14 at £46,460.

It was RESOLVED that the following items on the agenda be of a private nature that should be 45 Signed…………………………….. Date …………… discussed at the exclusion of the Public and Press, under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 1 (2). 22. Contractual issues To instruct Mr S Hough to carry out work to footpath 66 following receipt of funding from SCC Rights of Way and County Councillor funding RESOLVED that the clerk instruct Mr Hough to carry out the work as per quote CW and Mr Hough to liaise with Mr Sproston.

To consider the quote from Mr Hough regarding cutting back the ivy at Margaret’s Garden Noted that this is now withdrawn as the Community Warden is completing the work. To consider the quote from Mr Hough regarding the pooling of water at Riley’s Field Mr Proctor to inspect the work required and report back to next meeting. BP

23. Staffing Issues To consider the appointment of Mrs V Evans on the terms and conditions notified for the Temporary Maternity Cover Consideration was given to the appointment of Mrs V Evans for the temporary maternity cover, on the same terms and conditions as the clerk. This was CW RESOLVED to offer Mrs Evans the appointment, to take up references and invite Mrs Evans to shadow at the February meeting.

To consider the renewal of the subscription to SLCC for the Clerk for 2013

RESOLVED that the Clerk subscribe for a year at a cost of £162 and seek CW reimbursement for the pro-rata share from Madeley and .

The Chairman then declared the meeting closed at 21.40pm

46 Signed…………………………….. Date ……………

Approved Budget 2013/14 - 20th December 2012 Approved Powers within Approved Budget Heading Budget 2013/14 Legislation budget 2012/13 (3% increase)

LGA 72, S15(5) and 35(5) LGA 72 s112 Salary/chair £ 16,480.00 £ 19,000 LGA 72, 133 Office/other £ 8,240.00 £ 9,556 LGA 1972 s111 Adverts Playing fields Includes Section LGA 72, Sch 14 para 27 136 £ 18,025.00 £ 15,000

Highways Act 1980 ss 30,72 Seats LGA (Misc) Act 1953, S4 £ 5,000.00 £ 5,150 and Parish Councils Act 1957 S1 Bus shelters

Highways Act 1980 ss 43 50 Footpaths £ 100.00 £ 100.00 LGA 1976, S19 Bowling greens £ 1,000.00 £ 1,500 Wildlife area plus LGA 72, Sch 14 para 27 capital £ 3,780.00 £ 2,250 LGA 1972 s111 Misc. contingency £ 2,060.00 £ 2,100 Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908 ss 23,26, 42 Allotments £ 1,030.00 £ 1,060 Section 137 LGA 1972 £6.44 Donations/Grants x 6704 plus capital £ 1,000.00 £ 1,000 Section 137 LGA 1972 £6.44 x 6705 Sec.137 £ 1,000.00 £ 1,000 Special Projects £ - £ - Capital schemes/Special £ - £ - LGA 1972 s111 VAT £ 4,725.00 £ 2,500 TOTAL£ 62,440.00 £ 60,216.34

No increase in Expected Income 13/14 Precept

Precept £ 46,460.00 Section 136 Funding £ 10,747.00 Allotment Rent £ 500.00 VAT refund £ -

Total expected income 13/14 £ 57,707.00

TOTAL expected spend 13/14 £ 60,216.34 Shortfall (in year savings to be made) £ 2,509.34